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Rooted in nature — problem guide

Biodiversity

Healthy farms rely on beneficial insects, pollinators, and balanced weed management. These guides start with identification and observation, then compare options with local integrated pest management (IPM) guidance.

Starting points to discuss, not a diagnosis. Confirm causes on your farm with a local adviser before acting.

  1. 1. Increasing insect damage
  2. 2. Fewer beneficial insects or pollinators
  3. 3. Weed pressure
01

Increasing insect damage

What you may notice

Chewed leaves, stippling, sticky residue, or more insects than usual.

Possible causes

A pest population increase, loss of natural enemies, or damage caused by something other than insects.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: Seeing insects does not confirm they caused the damage; identify before acting.

What to do

  1. Identify the insect and confirm whether it is a pest or a beneficial.
  2. Scout regularly and record crop stage, location, and counts.
  3. Consult crop-specific IPM thresholds and a local adviser before any intervention.

Local expert note: Local IPM advisers know regional thresholds and resistance issues.

Read the explanation

UC Statewide IPM Program: Agriculture pest management guidelines by crop (opens in new tab)UC Statewide IPM Program: Protecting natural enemies and pollinators (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Automated camera traps can count supported species and show trends between scouting visits.

See technology options below
02

Fewer beneficial insects or pollinators

What you may notice

Fewer bees or predators, poorer fruit set, or pest flare-ups after sprays.

Possible causes

Loss of flowering habitat, broad-spectrum pesticide use, or landscape changes.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: Poor fruit set has several possible causes, including weather and variety.

What to do

  1. Observe habitat around fields and note what is flowering and when.
  2. Review how spraying, mowing, and tillage timing may affect beneficial insects.
  3. Plan locally appropriate flowering field edges or insectary plantings.

Read the explanation

UC Statewide IPM Program: Protecting natural enemies and pollinators (opens in new tab)UC Statewide IPM Program: Insectary plants (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Management first: no gadget restores pollination. Habitat and careful pesticide choices come first.

See technology options below
03

Weed pressure

What you may notice

Weeds competing with the crop, escapes after control, or rising weeding labor.

Possible causes

Seedbank build-up, rotation gaps, timing of control, or herbicide resistance.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: Weed identification comes first; the best option depends on species and crop.

What to do

  1. Identify weed species and growth stage in affected areas.
  2. Assess rotation and cultural options such as timing, spacing, and cover.
  3. Compare suitable mechanical or laser approaches with your adviser.

Read the explanation

UC Statewide IPM Program: Agriculture pest management guidelines by crop (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Machine-vision laser weeding targets weeds without herbicide for suitable crops and beds.

See technology options below

Curated external options • Checked September 28, 2026

Technology and products to explore

External product information. Ask the supplier for current pricing and confirm fit for your farm.

Established product

Trapview automated traps

Trapview

Addresses: Increasing insect damage

How it helps: Camera traps with AI insect counting for supported pest species, reported through an online platform.

Getting started

  1. Confirm your target pests are supported
  2. Place traps per manufacturer guidance
  3. Compare counts with field scouting and IPM thresholds

Check before buying

  • Species and crop support
  • Cellular connectivity at trap sites
  • Lure and maintenance needs
  • Ongoing fees, service coverage, and warranty terms
  • Ask supplier for current pricing
Product details / request a quote (opens in new tab)
Established product

Carbon Robotics LaserWeeder G2

Carbon Robotics

Addresses: Weed pressure

How it helps: Machine-vision laser weeding pulled by a tractor, targeting weeds without herbicide. Specs and fit are manufacturer technical information.

Getting started

  1. Request a demonstration on your crop and beds
  2. Check tractor, bed width, and field scale fit
  3. Plan energy, service, and operator training

Check before buying

  • Crop, bed format, and acreage
  • Tractor compatibility and power
  • Service and support coverage
  • Ongoing fees, service coverage, and warranty terms
  • Ask supplier for current pricing
Product details / request a quote (opens in new tab)

Find manufacturers on Alibaba

Alibaba lists manufacturers and trading companies. Check the company profile and factory assessment to confirm who makes the product. These marketplace links are separate from the official manufacturer pages above. Confirm seller identity and any claimed brand authorization with the supplier.

Buying note: how to compare suppliers
  • Specifications: confirm model, materials, ratings, and compatibility in writing.
  • MOQ: check the minimum order quantity and sample options.
  • Total landed cost: include shipping, duties, taxes, and customs brokerage.
  • Warranty and local service: ask who handles repairs, spare parts, and support where you farm.

No purchases or supplier messages happen on this site.

Concept demo prepared by Geuzane Castro for Doug’s feedback. No purchases happen on this site.